Tualatin Mountain Forest

The Oregon you experience today is no accident. Its world-famous landscape of lush forests, gleaming streams, and endless opportunities for adventure are where millions of outdoor enthusiasts find their solace. Located within just 30 minutes outside of Portland—the state’s largest and most densely populated urban city—and within proximity of the beloved Forest Park, the Tualatin Mountains are where many residents go to recreate and revel in Oregon’s natural wonderland.

This connection and enjoyment of the land, in many ways, creates a sense of identity and culture for many Portland residents. Their saying is “Keep Portland Weird,” but we believe in “Keep Oregon Green.”

Part of keeping Oregon’s green and iconic landscape is to protect the land most at risk. Sections of the 3,100-acre Tualatin Mountain property are at risk of development that would fragment the landscape, impacting fish and wildlife habitat. Given the population growth in the area, development poses a risk for these forests, while also straining close-to-home recreational opportunities.

We’re partnering with Oregon State University and consulting with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde to safeguard this section of forest for everyone to enjoy. Once acquired, Oregon State University will manage the land for science, advancing the field of climate-smart forestry and furthering the state’s 2050 carbon sequestering goals. Their data could even prove to be beneficial nationwide.

Beyond scientific research, the public will be able to connect to this landscape for hiking, biking, and birding. Today, access to the property is fee based and limited to mountain biking. Public ownership would allow free and close-to-home access to 24 miles of trails, especially for underserved communities within 12 miles, where 36 percent of residents are people of color and 23 percent of households are low income.

This property is also an important wildlife corridor that hosts an ecosystem for salmon and other fish, which are essential to the local economy and culturally significant to many tribes in the area. The Lower Columbia River has lost more than half of its forested uplands, but together, we can protect this space for future generations to experience and enjoy Oregon’s green landscape forever.